OpenAI reverses course and says non-profit arm will retain control of firm
OpenAI has reversed course in the process of transforming into a for-profit entity, announcing on Monday that its non-profit arm would continue to control the business that makes ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence (AI) products. Previously, the company had sought more independence for its for-profit division. "We made the decision for the nonprofit to stay in control after hearing from civic leaders and having discussions with the offices of the Attorneys General of California and Delaware," said CEO Sam Altman in a letter to employees. Altman and the chair of OpenAI's non-profit board, Bret Taylor, said the board made the choice for the non-profit to retain control of OpenAI. A press release from the company said that the for-profit portion of the company, through which Altman has been able to raise billions to fund OpenAI's work, would transition to a public benefit corporation, a mission-driven designation for a corporate structure that is still aimed at profit but also "has to consider the interests of both shareholders and the mission".
Reflections on the Nintendo Switch, the hybrid console that changed gaming
The Switch 2 is nearly here, which means the original Switch is entering its twilight years. It's been eight years since Nintendo released its revolutionary hybrid console, and while many fans have spent the last couple of those itching for the device to be replaced, now seems like an opportune time to look back at what its legacy may wind up being (while acknowledging that it still has some life ahead of it). Instead of bleating on myself, though, I turned to the rest of the Engadget staff to see what comes to mind when they think of the Switch, as just about everyone on the team has played with the console. We've collected our reflections below -- some take a bigger-picture view, some are more personal, some contradict others' experiences entirely. There's plenty more that went unsaid. But I think that's part of the Switch's beauty; it's a device that's resonated with so many, in so many different ways, in its near-decade on the market.
We tested Nvidia DLSS 4 on 20-series to 50-series graphics cards
Originally a super-fancy form of upscaling, "DLSS" has become gamer shorthand for a host of allegedly AI-powered graphics tricks exclusive to Nvidia's graphics cards. In the PCWorld lab, Will Smith has been breaking down some of the different ways that upscaling and other AI tricks work in the latest version of Nvidia's drivers and comparing how they perform on different cards. Also, a wild Brad Chacos appears! Will and Brad show that while it's easy to compare some of this tech if you're watching frame-by-frame and zooming in for the finest details--especially on games that have a dedicated benchmark tool--it can be a lot harder to spot in motion in a way that actually affects your gaming experience. Also note that some of the most recent models, like Transformer Upscale, are only available on some games.
Scott Bessent kicks off Milken bash by doubling down on Trump agenda
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent kicked off Michael Milken's annual financial bash in Beverly Hills by doubling down on President Trump's economic policy of trade reform, tax cuts and deregulation -- promising the "America First" agenda would be "the blueprint for a more abundant world." The former hedge fund manager, in a brief speech Monday that opened the Milken Institute Global Conference, said that all three elements of the policy must be taken together in order to be understood. "They are interlocking parts of an engine designed to drive long-term investment in the American economy," he said, in remarks at the Beverly Hilton. "Tariffs are engineered to encourage companies like yours to invest directly in the United States. Hire your workers here, build your factories here, make your products here. You'll be glad you did, not only because we have the most productive work force in the world, but because we will soon have the most favorable tax and regulatory environment as well," he said.
Good riddance: The webs top deepfake porn site is shutting down
Mr. Deepfakes is no more. One of the internet's biggest destinations for nonconsensual deepfake porn has announced that it is shutting down. The website, Mr. Deepfakes, has already gone offline, as first noticed by 404 Media. Deepfakes are essentially hyperrealistic face-swapping videos that are created with machine-learning technology. Deepfakes became very popular on social media platforms like Reddit in 2017, with users superimposing celebrities' likeness into various movie and TV show clips.
Alexa has more than 100,000 very quiet users
Amazon has begun what seems to be a very slow rollout for Alexa, its new AI-enhanced version of Alexa. But if you're looking for hands-on impressions from everyday folks who've actually tried the new Alexa, they're curiously hard to find. During Amazon's earnings call late last week, CEO Andy Jassy told investors that "over 100,000" users are currently testing Alexa, which Amazon unveiled more than two months ago during a splashy New York City press event. "People are really liking Alexa so far," Jassy reportedly said on the earnings call. A hundred thousand people may sound like a lot, but as AFTVnews points out, it's just a tiny fraction of Alexa's estimated 100 million-plus active user base, meaning the vast majority of Alexa users has yet to try Alexa out for themselves. Meanwhile, the lucky few who have kicked the tires on the new AI Alexa are generally keeping mum about it.
Why This Artist Isn't Afraid of AI's Role in the Future of Art
As AI enters the workforce and seeps into all facets of our lives at unprecedented speed, we're told by leaders across industries that if you're not using it, you're falling behind. Yet when AI's use in art enters the conversation, some retreat in discomfort, shunning it as an affront to the very essence of art. This ongoing debate continues to create disruptions among artists. AI is fundamentally changing the creative process, and its purpose, significance, and influence are subjective to one's own values--making its trajectory hard to predict, and even harder to confront. Miami-based Panamanian photographer Dahlia Dreszer stands out as an optimist and believer in AI's powers.
Get a 5-piece Blink home security bundle for under 160
SAVE 160: As of May 5, you can get a Blink home security bundle -- including the Blink Video Doorbell, three Outdoor 4 cameras, and a Sync Module 2 -- for just 159.98. You can't put a price tag on peace of mind, but you can get pretty close with this Blink home security bundle at Amazon. As of May 5, the Blink bundle is down to just 159.98 instead of its usual 319.98. That's 50% in savings and 30 cheaper than if you bought each piece separately on sale. It includes the Blink Video Doorbell, three Blink Outdoor 4 cameras, and the Sync Module 2 -- everything you need to keep an eye on what's happening around your home.
Urgent warning over 'Hi Mum' WhatsApp scam: Fraudsters are using AI to mimic children's voices to steal millions of pounds from unsuspecting parents
For millions of people, WhatsApp is a vital connection to friends and family around the world. But cybersecurity experts have issued a fresh warning over an insidious scam which has already duped users out of almost half a million pounds since the start of 2025. In the so-called'Hi Mum' scam, criminals impersonate a family member to trick their victims into sending them money. Now, fraudsters are even using AI voice impersonation technology to dupe their victims. The scam begins by sending a WhatsApp message saying'Hi Mum' or'Hi Dad' as the sender claims they have lost their phone and have been locked out of their bank account.
Take a Tour of All the Essential Features in ChatGPT
Thank you to everyone who attended our most recent AI Unlocked webinar. I really enjoyed our lively discussion about ChatGPT's software features and wish I could have answered even more of your questions about using generative AI tools. I really enjoyed the questions about what ChatGPT can do beyond just chatting. Image search is a feature I use often, and here are my first impressions of the tool that I recorded back in September 2023 when it first dropped. I use ChatGPT's image search tool nowadays by snapping a picture with my phone when I don't recognize something.